People of influence: Veronica Shoemaker

A preacher's daughter, Veronica Shoemaker grew up on a dirt street in Dunbar and went on to win a Fort Myers City Council seat in 1982 — the first black person to do so.

She ran 17 times before winning her first election, but Shoemaker, an independent florist, is nothing if not persistent.

Her parents had 11 children, living in a home her father had built by hand of Florida pine. Plants have always been part of her life; her family grew mustard, turnips, collards; and fruit trees such as oranges, guavas, Key limes, Japanese plums and avocados.

Once elected, she served until 2007, when she lost her seat to Johnny Streets Jr.

Shoemaker also has served as NAACP president, supporting lawsuits that set up a ward system for City Council elections and ended segregation of Lee County schools.

Her impact has extended beyond the city. She served on the Lee County committee that recommended the county manager style of government.